> LRM VERDICT
Our five contenders all performed as well as you’d expect from the latest Li-ion powered tools, inspiring confidence and reliability. Their compact sizes and excellent power outputs from such small batteries are commendable, so how do we identify winners?
For me, it’s a combination of controllable power and battery usage held together with comfortable ergonomics.
Draper’s Storm Force drill being so light and compact is a delight to use for lighter drill work. All controls and functions do as asked from the single-speed motor. The question for you is whether you need it to carry out heavier tasks. With 700 rpm max to play with, it’s ideal for straightforward jobs in light materials but overloading it would not be playing to its strengths. In addition, it lacks a battery power indicator and shouldn’t be overcharged. Silverline’s Silverstorm drill is worth your consideration with its 13 mm keyless chuck and torquey motor. It feels good to hold and use, delivering plenty of controllable power. The 1.3 Ah battery is the least powerful on test but it does recharge in an hour. A well balanced drill with plenty of features. Clarke’s Contractor drill features two batteries to prevent any delay in completing most tasks. The one-hour charge time is accurate and the drill performs well, and although we don’t know its torque output it seems on a par with the Sealey and Silverline. The location of the battery power indicator makes it easy to read and serves as a warning against pushing too hard on the motor.
Sealey’s 18v hammer drill inspires confidence with its good build quality and seamless controls for torque and speed. It’s a simple drill to live with, offering a torquey motor to rival the Silverstorm and simple battery power LEDS. For heavier work such as a cupped wire brush it performed well and offers excellent value for money as an affordable, good quality all-rounder, for which we recommend it.
So top honours go to Makita. It is the most expensive on test mainly because it features three extremely capable 3.0 Ah batteries. But it’s not just about them or their sub-one-hour charge times. The drill feels like a mini jet engine to use, offering bags of torque and plenty of control to achieve tasks. The twin LED lights don’t always offer the best-aimed illumination but they do flood the work area well. Other welcome touches include the dual battery power meters and excellent handle grip.